Segmented frame furniture system

ABSTRACT

A furniture assembly and its associated method of use. The assembly includes a plurality of lateral elements. Each of the lateral elements is held in parallel and forms the primary surfaces of the furniture. The lateral elements are held together in parallel by interconnected rigid linkage elements. Each rigid linkage element engages two adjacent elongated elements. The rigid linkage elements can fold into two configurations. In a first configuration, the rigid linkage elements lock together and form a first piece of furniture. In a second configuration, the rigid linkage elements either enable the assembly to be folded for storage or lock together to form a second piece of furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of The Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to furniture, in general, and chairs in particular. More specifically, the present invention relates to the frame structures used to form chairs.

[0003] 2. Prior Art Statement

[0004] Chairs have existed throughout recorded history. In this long period of time, chairs have been built in countless designs and styles. Typically, chairs are built to be static structures, wherein the framework of the chair is rigid. Such is the typical wooden frame chair that is used at a dinner table. A rigid frame chair is manufactured into the shape of a chair and the chair retains that manufactured form throughout its useful existence. However, for specialized applications, chairs are also built with frameworks that can be selectively altered. For example, beach chairs are commonly built with foldable frames that enable the framework of the chair to be collapsed into a small size that is more convenient to carry. Chairs with collapsible frameworks, typically have rigid components, such as seats, legs, and/or backrests, that are joined together by hinged linkages. As such, the major components of the chair remain rigid, while the connecting junctions enable the major components to fold against each other when the chair is not in use.

[0005] Framework structures do exist in different types of furniture, that do not contain any large rigid elements. However, since no large rigid elements are used, such flexible framed furniture is typically limited to flat structures, such as futons, lounge mats and the like. The flexible frames of such furniture enable the furniture to be readily folded and stored. However, the framework itself bears little stress when the furniture is in use. Such prior art furniture is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,263 to Magistretti, entitled, Upholstered Element With Continuously Unidirectionally Shapeable Flat Internal Frame. In the Magistretti patent, a framework for a cushion is disclosed, that is comprised of multiple flat elements connected together with hinged joints. The framework enables the cushion to be folded away, however, the framework does not support any weight.

[0006] The present invention provides a flexible framework for furniture that not only enables the furniture to be folded, but also creates a rigid structure when correctly oriented. Accordingly, the flexible framework of the present invention can be used to support significant weight in a manner not previously accomplished in the prior art. The structure of the present invention is described and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a furniture assembly and its associated method of use. The assembly is used to create at least one piece of furniture depending upon how the framework of the furniture assembly is oriented. The furniture assembly includes a plurality of elongated lateral elements. Each of the elongated lateral elements is held in parallel by linkage elements. Each linkage element engages two adjacent elongated lateral elements. The linkage elements can fold and unfold into a variety of configurations. However, when the linkage elements are oriented in a particular manner, the linkage elements are shaped to abut against each other and lock into position. The linkage elements lock together to form a chair or another a piece of furniture. The linkage elements support the elongated lateral elements in the shape of the furniture, wherein the elongated lateral elements and the linkage elements create the primary surfaces of the furniture. Thus, the present invention provides for a piece of furniture that can be selectively folded into a different configuration when desired.

[0008] The linkage elements can be formed to lock into position in more than one orientation. Accordingly, when the furniture assembly is positioned in a first orientation, the linkage elements can lock together to form a first piece of furniture, such as a chair. However, when moved into a second orientation, the linkage elements can form a second piece of furniture, such as a table. Alternative, the linkage elements may not lock together, thereby enabling the furniture assembly to fold into a compact bundle when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown forming a chair;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first possible stowed configuration; and

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate stowed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Although the technology embodied by the present invention can be used to create many different types of furniture, such as tables, computer stands, couches and the like, the technology is particularly well suited in creating a chair. Accordingly, by way of example, the present invention is embodied as a chair in order to set forth the best mode contemplated for the invention.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the structure of the present invention assembly 10 is shown. In this embodiment, there are contained a plurality of elongated lateral elements 12 that extend laterally across the assembly. The elongated lateral elements 12 can be solid rods and/or hollow tubes. Each elongated lateral element 12 passes through a plurality of rigid linkage elements 14 and soft linkage elements 16.

[0016] Rigid linkage elements are disposed on either side of the assembly 10. Although only one row of rigid linkage elements 14 need be used, it is preferred that between three and five rows of rigid linkage elements 14 be present on either side of the assembly 10. Each of the rigid linkage elements 14 defines holes. The ends of the elongated lateral elements 12 pass into the holes of the rigid linkage elements on either side of the assembly 10. As such, the two ends of each of the elongated lateral elements 12 passes through at least three rigid linkage elements 14 on either side of the assembly 10.

[0017] Each rigid linkage element 14 contains two holes. As such, each rigid linkage element 14 is capable of engaging two separate elongated lateral elements 12. The rigid linkage elements 14 are staggered. In this manner, every elongated lateral element 12 is attached to the adjacent elongated lateral elements on either side of it, using overlapping rigid linkage elements 14. Accordingly, each the rigid linkage elements 14 interconnect two adjacent elongated lateral elements 12 and the totality of all the rigid linkage elements 14 interconnects all of the elongated lateral elements 12.

[0018] The elongated lateral elements 12 are not rigidly affixed to the rigid linkage elements 14. The ends of the elongated lateral elements 12 pass through the holes in the rigid linkage elements 14 without any fixed interconnection. Accordingly, the rigid linkage elements 14 are free to rotate about the elongated lateral elements 12, wherein the elongated lateral elements 12 act as pivot points between overlapping rigid linkage elements 14. Consequently, the movement of the individual rigid linkage elements 14 is only limited by the shape of each of the rigid linkage elements 14, wherein when rotated into certain orientations, adjacent rigid linkage elements 14 abut and interfere with further movement.

[0019] Soft linkage elements 16 are disposed along the length of the elongated lateral elements 12. The soft linkage elements are made of elastomeric material, fabric or some other soft material. Each soft linkage element 16 defines two holes through which the elongated lateral elements pass. By staggering and overlapping the soft linkage elements 16, the primary seating surface of the present invention assembly 10 is created.

[0020] In the shown embodiment, the present invention assembly 10 contains two separate sections 18, 20. These sections 18, 20 correspond to the seat base of the chair and the backrest of the chair, when the assembly 10 is configured as a chair. The rigid linkage elements 14 contained throughout the assembly 10 have different shapes, depending upon the section of the chair they form.

[0021] From FIG. 1, it will be understood that when properly oriented, the assembly 10 can form a chair structure. The seat base section 18 of the assembly 10 folds in two places, forming the base support 22 and the elevated seating surface 24 of the chair. The backrest section 20 of the assembly 10 extends upwardly from the seating surface 24, thereby forming the backrest of the chair. The seat base section 18 of the chair connects to the backrest section 20 of the chair at the junction of two interface linkage elements 26, 28.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that a seat base interface linkage element 26 defines two external notches 31, 32 that can be engaged by the backrest interface linkage element 28. When the backrest interface linkage element 28 engages the lower notch 31 of the seat base interface linkage element 26, the assembly can be collapsed, as is later explained. However, in FIG. 2 it can be seen that the backrest interface linkage element 28 is oriented to engage the upper notch 32 on the seat base interface linkage element 26. Once in this orientation, the backrest interface linkage element 28 engages the seat base interface linkage element 26 at approximately ninety degrees.

[0023] From FIG. 2, it can be seen that the shown embodiment of the base section 18 contains eleven rigid linkage elements in the outermost row of rigid linkage elements. The exterior shape of each of these rigid linkage elements is configured to create the shown base section of the chair, when properly oriented. The first five rigid linkage elements 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 form the base 40 of the chair and are intended to lay flat on the ground. Accordingly, the five rigid linkage elements 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are shaped to lock against each other when placed in a linear orientation. The sixth, seventh and eighth rigid linkage elements 46, 47, 48 form the support leg of the chair and are shaped to lock against each other when forming an arcuate shape having a first radius of curvature R1. The fifth rigid linkage element 45 and the sixth rigid linkage element 46 are shaped to lock against each other when creating the angled transition between the linear orientation of the base 40 of the chair and the curved orientation of the leg support rigid linkage elements 46, 47, 48.

[0024] The ninth rigid linkage element 49, tenth rigid linkage element 51 and seat base interface linkage element 26 create the seating surface 50 of the chair. The ninth rigid linkage element 49 is shaped to lock at a perpendicular to the eighth rigid linkage element 48 and support the eighth rigid linkage element 48 in a horizontal plane. The tenth rigid linkage element 51 and the seat base interface linkage element 26 lock in a descending linear orientation that descends a predetermined angle A from the horizontal plane of the ninth rigid linkage element 49.

[0025] As has been previously stated, the backrest interface linkage element 28 extends at a perpendicular from the seat base interface linkage element 26. The remaining rigid linkage elements 52, 53, 54, 55 that extend upwardly from the backrest rigid linkage element 28 are shaped to lock when forming an arcuate curved structure having a radius of curvature R2.

[0026] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three layers of rigid linkage elements 14 are used on either end of the elongated lateral elements 12. Such a configuration is merely exemplary and it should be understood that any plurality of layers of rigid linkage elements 14 can be used at any point along the length of the elongated lateral elements 12. For example, rigid linkage elements can be used down the center of the elongated lateral elements, wherein the elongated lateral elements would extend freely from either side of the rigid linkage elements.

[0027] The rigid linkage elements can also be staggered so that some rigid linkage element are on the right side of the chair, some of the rigid linkage elements are on the left side of the chair and some of the rigid linkage elements are disposed at positions between the left side and the right side. In yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, the rigid linkage elements need only be positioned along one side of the chair, therein the elongated lateral elements extend sideways as a cantilevered system sideways from the rigid linkage elements.

[0028] From FIG. 2, it is understood that when the assembly 10 is folded in a certain orientation, the rigid linkage elements 14 interlock and form the chair structure that is illustrated. However, when the assembly 10 is moved in the opposite direction, the rigid linkage elements 14 do not immediately interlock. The assembly 10 is therefore free to be manipulated into a variety of alternate configurations.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that when the assembly 10 is rolled in a direction that does not cause the rigid linkage elements 14 to lock, the whole assembly can be rolled like a mat for storage purposes. In this configuration, the linkage elements 14 are configured to enable the assembly 10 to be rolled into a cylindrical shape. Such a stowed configuration is highly space efficient and enables the assembly 10 to be stored in a closed or placed in the trunk of a car.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate stowed orientation is showed. In the alternate embodiment of FIG. 3, the linkage elements 14 are configured to enable the assembly 10 lay nearly flat. Such a stowed configuration enables the assembly to be easily stored under a bed or another narrow space.

[0031] In the stowed configuration of FIG. 3, the assembly is oriented into a compact roll. In the stowed configuration of FIG. 4, the assembly is showed in an open flat configuration. Such stowed configurations are merely exemplary and it should be understood that by adjusting the shapes of the rigid linkage elements 14, many different stowed configurations can be had. Some stowed configuration may even have secondary use. For example, the chair configuration shown in FIG. 1 may be unfolded into an alternate piece of furniture, such as a table. Accordingly, when the various linkage elements are rotated in a first direction, they interlock and form a first piece of furniture. However, when the rigid linkage elements are rotated in a second direction, the furniture assembly can either fold into an easily stored configuration, or form a second distinct piece of furniture, such as a flat table, stand, ottoman or another piece of furniture having a supported surface.

[0032] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention device described and illustrated are merely exemplary and that a designer can make many different styled chairs and tables using the present invention device. All such alternate embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed below. 

1. A furniture assembly, comprising: a plurality of elongated lateral elements, each of said lateral elements having a first end and a second end; a plurality of rigid linkage elements arranged in parallel rows, each of said rigid linkage elements in each row engaging and supporting two of said plurality of elongated elements, thereby interlinking all of said lateral elements, wherein each of said rigid linkage elements in each row has a shape that contacts and inhibits an adjacent rigid linkage element in that same row when said rigid linkage elements are in a first configuration that forms a piece of furniture.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rigid linkage elements are selectively positionable between said first configuration, where said rigid linkage elements form a piece of furniture, and a second stowed configuration that occupies a smaller volume of space than said piece of furniture.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rigid linkage elements are selectively positionable between said first configuration, where said rigid linkage elements form a first piece of furniture, and a second configuration that forms a second piece of furniture.
 4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said piece of furniture is selected from a group consisting of chairs and tables.
 5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of said lateral elements have circular cross-section, and wherein said rigid linkage elements engage said lateral elements but are free to rotate around said lateral elements.
 6. The assembly according to claim 1, further including a plurality of soft linkage elements, wherein said lateral elements extend through at least some of said soft linkage elements.
 7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said piece of furniture is a chair having a base, a seat that is supported a predetermined height above said base, and a backrest that extends upwardly from said seat.
 8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein both said first end and said second end of said lateral elements engage rigid linkage elements, whereby each lateral element is supported between separate rigid linkage elements.
 9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein all of said lateral elements are supported in a parallel configuration by said rigid linkage elements.
 10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said lateral elements are selected from a group consisting of solid bars, semi-solid bars and hollow tubes.
 11. A chair assembly, comprising: a plurality of lateral elements; a plurality of rigid linkage elements interconnecting said plurality of lateral elements in a parallel configuration, wherein said rigid linkage elements are arranged in parallel rows, wherein said rigid linkage elements in each of said parallel rows are shaped to lock against adjacent rigid linkage elements in that same row, causing said lateral elements to form a chair having a base, a seat supported a predetermined distance above said base and a backrest extending upwardly from said seat.
 12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said rigid linkage elements enable said lateral elements to be collapsed into a storable configuration smaller than said chair.
 13. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said rigid linkage elements enable said lateral elements to be selectively altered from said chair into another piece of furniture.
 14. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of said lateral elements have circular cross-section, and wherein said rigid linkage elements engage said lateral elements but are free to rotate around said lateral elements.
 15. The assembly according to claim 11, further including a plurality of soft linkage elements, wherein each of said lateral elements pass through at least some of said plurality of soft linkage elements.
 16. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of said lateral elements has a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and said second end of said lateral elements engage rigid linkage elements, whereby each lateral element is supported between separate rigid linkage elements. 17-18. (Cancelled) 